Yes, he made one reference to UCLA, saying he couldn't figure out why his school would bother recruiting a player who ended up with the Bruins. But that's nothing compared to his 14-month tenure in the SEC.

Instead, Kiffin seems focused on trying to put his mark on a USC program that took a step back in 2009 after seven straight Pac-10 championships. He instituted more discipline -- more restrictions were placed on those who were given access to practice; players are working harder during drills and are now responsible for keeping the locker room tidy.

Here is where USC stands as it wraps up the spring:

* When Kiffin arrived, he said it was no sure thing that Matt Barkley would be his starting quarterback. He opened the competition up between Barkley and Mitch Mustain, but perhaps he did that to light a fire under the incumbent. Barkley has had a good spring and is the likely starting quarterback going into the fall.

* The next Reggie Bush II emerged: early enrollee Dillon Baxter, who scored a 50-yard touchdown at during the first spring scrimmage earlier this month (Fast forward below to the 50 second mark). Kiffin said, "I thought Dillon Baxter was phenomenal. His scoring run looked like Reggie Bush's against Fresno St. in 2005. It didn't matter who was in front of him, nobody could tackle him. He's exciting, but we realize he's still got a ways to go." Indeed, a few days later, Kiffin unloaded on his running backs, whom he said, "don't have a clue right now on what we need to do to be a championship running team."

* Chris Galippo started taking more snaps at outside linebacker. Perhaps this means Devon Kennard will replace him in the middle?

*Ronald Johnson will miss the spring game with wrist and elbow injuries. The Trojans are in need of another receiver to step up. Kiffin says he hasn't seen much out of the other players. True freshman Kyle Prater has fought through nagging injuries throughout camp, but expect him to play in the fall.

* USC must replace its entire starting secondary. Drew McAllister, the leader to take over for safety Taylor Mays, has missed spring with a hip injury. The Trojans get much needed help from the return of cornerback Shareece Wright, who was out last season because he was academically ineligible. Wright is the team's most experienced defensive back.